See also: pater familias

English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From around 1425 to 1475 from late Middle English which itself came from the Latin term with the same meaning. From the Latin term pater ("father") + familiās, an archaic genitive of familia ("family", "household"). Literally meaning "father of the family" or "father of the household". Compare the English word family.

Noun edit

paterfamilias (plural paterfamiliases or patresfamilias)

  1. A man who is the head of a household, family or tribe.

Synonyms edit

Antonyms edit

  • (antonym(s) of "a woman who is the head of a household"): materfamilias

Translations edit

Spanish edit

Noun edit

paterfamilias m (plural paterfamilias)

  1. paterfamilias

Further reading edit